Main navigation

vacation

In video games, you don’t go into a boss battle unprepared. You grind, power up and prepare everything you need to win against your opponent. This is also applicable in real life. You don’t go to a country without first knowing a few of their customs. Hand gestures are something you should learn about before travelling. This way, you don’t accidentally offend a local and cause an uprising that could’ve otherwise been prevented.

Be Prepared

It goes without saying that preparation is the key to a fun vacation. And in a multi-cultural continent like Australia, you need to know what you should have on you and what you can and can’t do in each state. Luckily, this guide is here to let you know beforehand what you should keep in mind when paying the folks down under a visit.

Learn the Local Language. Australians speak English. If you’re American or speak American English, the spellings of some words will be new to you; otherwise, you’re fine. Another thing you should know is that Australians use a lot of slang. It’s easy to get lost in what the locals are saying especially if you don’t know what words like “footy” mean. Use Google and give yourself a crash course in the local language.

Bring something for the BBQ. In a country where it almost feels like its summers last an entire year, it comes to no surprise that Australians love their Barbecues, or as they call it: ‘barbies’. If you ever get invited to a BBQs in Australia, remember to bring something to share with everyone. It could be some meat for the grill, some wine, or dessert. This shows that you are thankful for the invite and not a freeloader.

Sunblock is a MUST. We’ve mentioned how warm it is in Australia for most of the year. This is why you should never forget to wear sunscreen when you are planning for a day on the beach. Forgetting the sunblock can mean a sunburn that will last two weeks with a possibility of a blister. And believe us when we say, you do not want that. If you’re not a fan of the block, you can always wear a hat or a shirt that can cover up your skin from the harmful rays.

Everything is Expensive. Expect everything to come at a price. This is why backpackers visiting Australia often take on menial jobs in the cities they visit, as this can help out in their expenditures. An example of this is how they bill your rent. You can find a brand-new house complete with everything and see that it is only $750. Westerners will understand this and read it as a monthly payment, but in reality, it is $750 a week. If you’re planning to rent for your stay, talk to the agent and make sure that everything is spread out, so you don’t get a nasty surprise.

Drive Safe (We mean it!). Every country has their own law regarding drinking and driving. Australia takes this to the next level with laws that prohibit drivers from touching their phone while their keys are in the ignition as well as speeding cameras, police cars and random breathalyser tests everywhere. This just goes to show that the Australians value your life. So never drink (or do drugs) and drive.

Asia is the biggest continent on our planet, so you know there will be a lot to see and experience if you plan a trip there. So where do you start with planning? We can help! In this article, we are going to give you the top 10 attractions that you definitely should see in Asia!

Taj Mahal

Located in India, the Taj Mahal is a marble mausoleum that sits near the Yamuna River. In 1632, Emperor Shah Jahan built this palace to keep his favorite wife stored for the afterlife. Her tomb sits in the center of this huge area that has gardens and crenellated walls on 3 sides. It was dedicated as a World Heritage Sight in 1983 and is known for its outstanding architecture that brings over 7 million visitors each year.

Angkor Watt

This is a temple complex that is located in Cambodia. It is known as the largest religious monument on our planet and is over 400 acres large. Originally a Hindu Temple, it was designed to emulate Mount Meru and it has a moat and 3 galleries. Its beautiful architecture can keep you there for hours and enjoy the smooth stones and over 5 million sandstone blocks.

Forbidden City

Bring your best compact binoculars because there is a lot to see in Forbidden City! This imperial palace, located in China, and housed everyone from the Ming Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty. Construction started in 1406 and lasted 6 years, making the complex stand with 980 buildings, with all traditional Chinese architecture.

This place was named a World Heritage Site in 1987 and is known to have the largest preserved ancient wooden structures collection on the globe. You will find some of the artifacts from the dynasties in the nearby National Palace Museum.

With over 15 million visitors each year, this is a wonder that must be seen in person.

Petra

Petra is an amazing city located in Jordan. This whole town is known for its water system and the architecture that is rock-cut. Also called the Rose City, the stone is a rose colored on many of the buildings, and the carvings are awe inspiring.

This is Jordan’s most visited tourist attraction and the town has been around since about 312 BC. Structure are actually still being discovered here at this World Heritage Site. If you are looking for some history, culture and beautiful buildings, then Petra is your place to go!

Burj Khalifa

Head to Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, to see the world’s tallest structure – the Burj Khalifa. Construction began on this mega skyscraper in 2004 and was opened in 2010 in Downtown Dubai. The skyscraper was put up to give Dubai recognition around the world.

This building is 2,722 feet tall and has a Y shape flooring geometry that gives them more space for residents and hotels inside. The Burj Khalifa holds a ton of records besides just being the world’s tallest structure. It is also the tallest freestanding structure, highest elevator installation, highest observation deck, the most floors, and includes the world’s highest nightclub.

Visit here on New Year’s Eve for the world’s highest display of fireworks! Following that, you can eat at Atmosphere, the world’s highest restaurant, at 1,450 feet up!

Borobudur

Borobudur is a 9th century Buddhist temple that is located in Magelang, Indonesia. It is known as the world’s largest Buddhist temple and has 9 platforms with a dome in the center. There are over 500 Buddha statues here. Originally, this was built during the Sailendra Dynasty.

You will go through many corridors and stairs to get to the dome and it has over 1,400 relief panels on the walls that give a narrative. Very popular for pilgrimage, many people celebrate Vesak here, which is also the most visited tour attraction in all of Indonesia.

Hong Kong Disneyland

While not ancient like some other places, Disneyland at Lantau Island, Hong Kong has 7 huge themed areas such as Fantasyland, U.S.A, Tomorrowland and Toy Story Land. The 13th most visited theme park on Earth, approximately 8 to 9 million people visit each year.

Not only is this very family friendly, but you can do more than just go on rides and eat food. You can catch the Flights of Fantasy Parade, see the Disney in the Stars fireworks show, and partake in various park celebrations such as Halloween night.

Amer Fort

Amer Fort is located in Amer, Rajasthan, India, right near the capital on a hill. This town is 1.5 square miles and located right on Maota Lake. Tourists flock here to see the Hindu style of the fort, such as the ramparts, gates and cobbled pathways.

The fort is made of sandstone and marble on all 4 levels. Each level has its own courtyard, with massive stairways and areas to pray. You can also find the Public Audience Hall which has 27 colonnades, with elephant shapes and galleries, which is truly impressive.

Gardens by the Bay

This nature park is about 250 acres of land located in Singapore near the Marina Reservoir. There are 3 waterfront gardens. At Bay South Garden, you will see conservatories, the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome.

Family friendly, you can take the kids to the Children’s Garden, and visit the flower market. Supertree Grove is another site to see, as well as the Bay Central and Bay East Gardens.

Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot is a rock formation that is located off of the island of Bali. Amazing sunrises and sunsets happen here, which is why it is popular for photography. Visit Pura Tanah Lot, a pilgrimage temple near the rock.

You can get up near the cliff top on the mainland and visit restaurants and many of the souvenier shops that line the path to the water. Don’t forget your camera!

Author Bio:

Rebecca lives in USA, but loves hiking all over the world. Her favorite is Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal. It usually takes 16 days, but she likes to slow down, enjoy mountains, company of other adventurers and take more pictures, so it took her 28 days last time. Another of her passion is the ocean, so all short and long hikes along the ocean shore bring a lot of joy. She also writes for HikingMastery.com.

So you are looking to take a trip to Scandinavia but you don’t want just any old vacation. You want to be challenged. You want to feel luxurious as you relax away from life’s stresses. No matter what you want to do in Scandinavia, we have you covered. Now, let’s dive right into some of the luxuries and challenges of this amazing part of our world.

Iceland Walking Tour

Go round trip from Reykjavik on this 2-week tour with highlights including glaciers, camping in the Godaland Forest, climbing Kristinartindar Valley and checking out the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon.

At the Vatnajokull National Park, you will find Kristinartindar Valley and Mountain, as well as waterfalls, black sands, glaciers and amazing hiking trails. You will also travel through Hvannadashnjukur, which is Iceland’s highest peak that is nearly 7,000 feet tall.

The beauty and scenery here is astonishing and you will want to stop at the souvenir shop for postcards before you head to Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon. You can take a boat tour of the lagoon and see the huge icebergs and even taste the thousand-year-old ice. Stop and explore the Vatnajokull Glacier, the largest glacier in Europe where you can get inside of a natural ice cave.

Snowshoe Trekking in Finland

Bring along your best women’s parka because you will snowshoe for 8 days through the beauty that Finland has to offer. You will start and end in Hossa, Finland and visit Seipiniemi Peninsula while you’re out.

You will enjoy the climate here and hike, as well as go ice fishing. You can go out on the water with a boat, kayak or canoe and bicycle the paths near here. You will go through deep snow, making this a thrilling and challenging tour to go on.

From fish smoking to wood-fired saunas, you can enjoy being lakeside in the forest and truly relax at night. Be aware of the Northern Lights at certain times!

Best of Stockholm, Sweden

If you are looking for luxury, you have found it here on this 5-day tour. You will get a cultural tour of Stockholm as well as visit royal castles and the eat some of the best Swedish food. You will have your own guide and visit the seaside here and visit the medieval streets of Gamla Stan. The Royal Palace is located here, as well as Novel Museum and other points of interest.

You can go shopping at some of the nearby boutiques for some great designs for you or your home as well as visit Vasamuseet, a 17th-century ship that is huge and well taken care of. Visit Skansen which is a museum that is open, so it has historic buildings here.

You can also take a cruise around the harbor and see Djurgarden Canal as well as other notable places like Haga Park, ABBA The Museum or Rosendal’s Garden. For one day of the tour, you will see Artipelag, which is an area where you will see lots of art, old buildings and eat delicious foods and walk the nearby trails by the sea.

On another leg of the trip, you will arrive at Drottningholm Palace, where the Swedish Royal family lives and see the inside of it. It has an amazing decor inside and includes a theater, plus it is listed as a World Heritage Site.

Gripsholm Castle is one other stop near the end of the tour that is a royal castle from the Renaissance that sits on the lake and has classic Swedish decor and is located in the town of Mariefred.

Highlights of Scandinavia Tour

On this 11 days private tour of luxury, you will visit Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm and Bergen & the Fjords, seeing the best that Scandinavia has to offer.

First, you and your party will start in Copenhagen, which is the capital of Denmark and you will visit the historic center and visit Nyhavn Harbor, the Opera House, the Old Stock Exchange and Radhuspladsen Square. You will also take a short cruise through the canals and harbor of Copenhagen, enjoying the scenery and architecture.

Eat pastries and smorrebrod at Torvehallerne Market and then head to some museums like the Danish Jewish Museum or the National Museum of Denmark, as well as places like Rosenborg Castle, Church of Our Saviour and Tivoli Gardens.

After you have visited the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art and seen its beautiful setting on the coast then you will continue on to Frederiksborg Castle, one of the most popular in Denmark. You can also take this time to visit Roskilde where the Viking Ship Museum is located. Here, you can learn all about the Viking history, culture and even sail on a wooden boat!

Next, we are heading to Stockholm to have an adventure on the seaside. You will first walk the medieval streets of Gamla Stan and see the Royal Palace, Nobel Museum and eat some of the most amazing food. Then, it is time to visit City Hall, where the interior is a spectacle to see and where the Novel Prize dinner is held.

From there, you can go to Vasamuseet to visit a 17th-century ship and learn about Swedish life at Skansen, an open-air museum. While here, you can trek nearby to visit Haga Park, the National Museum or Hallwyl Museum. Then, it is on to Artipelag, for art, food and trails by the sea!

On to Oslo, where you will learn about Vikings, visit the sculptures at Vigeland Park and take in amazing views. You will visit the Novel Peace Center, Norwegian Folk Museum and the Oscarshall before visiting the Holocaust Museum and heading to Bergen.

In Bergen, you will see the Bryggen wharf and visit the fish market and learn about medieval times at the Hanseatic Museum. From there you will head to the Fjords where you can ride the Flamsbana train and cruise around Sognefjord, which offers breathtaking views before wrapping up your trip!

Author Bio:

Rebecca lives in USA, but loves hiking all over the world. Her favorite is Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal. It usually takes 16 days, but she likes to slow down, enjoy mountains, company of other adventurers and take more pictures, so it took her 28 days last time. Another of her passion is the ocean, so all short and long hikes along the ocean shore bring a lot of joy. She also writes for HikingMastery.com.

If you love traveling in winter, you know how difficult it can be to choose the right clothes. That’s if you’re not planning a winter holiday in the sunny Tenerife. The truth is you don’t have to go skiing or hiking to enjoy the beautiful vistas offered by many picturesque resorts or vibrant cities that have a colder climate. But you should also know how to dress appropriately and what to pack, so you came to the right place.

To layer or not to layer?

This is a tricky one and it depends on the weather and your type of activity:

If you’re hiking, the answer is definitely yes because once you get more warmed up, you’ll need to take some of your clothes off.

Same goes if you’re traveling to a country that has very a very small difference between the morning and afternoon temperatures. A swift-looking cardigan over your blouse or T-shirt can look amazing if you take off your parka.

The answer could be no if there’s a big difference between the morning and noon temperatures, at which point you probably need a warmer jacket over your shirt. That can be fitted with multiple outfits, dresses, blouses and jackets alike, and it will also look pretty stylish.

What shoes should you wear?

We can tell you this much: no sneakers or sports shoes. It can really be tempting to wear sneakers because they’re so comfortable, but they’re definitely out of the question for a slippery terrain. They can’t handle the wind well either. And the sports shoes don’t look that cool except when you’re out in the wild or when you’re doing, you know, sports.

So get a cool-looking pair of boots, there are plenty of those. The advantages are many starting with them being:

Sturdy for constant use.

Waterproof, so they can handle their snow.

Manufactured with a thicker sole, so they’ll keep your feet cozy.

And the truth is that most winter boots for women nowadays aren’t bulky at all, most of them actually look incredibly cute. The only issue might be to take them out at the airport but get the right laces and that’ll be a piece of cake.

How to accessorize fashionably

There is such a thing as accessorizing in winter without freezing to death if you’re wearing some (or all) of the items below:

A hat.Depending on how warm it is outside, you can choose anything from a Fedora to a wool beanie or a bobble hat.

From stylish black leather that goes great with fancier trips in the city center to multi-colored wool that’s perfect for camping, you have a pretty wide pool choice here too.

A scarf.Whether you want something made from cotton or a warmer, knitted, handmade scarf, you should focus on getting the colors right.

A bag.Your bag can be made from leather or polyester, it can be handheld or a backpack, all this depends on the occasion and what you’re carrying. Just make sure you don’t fill your luggage with bags, you need a versatile one that goes with most of your plans.

What colors should you choose?

Getting the right outfit also entails choosing colors that are versatile, that can fit different situations and that go well with each other. So we advise you to get:

Blue jeans.

Vibrant colors and interesting patterns for the first layers, especially when it comes to tops and dresses.

Your leggings can have different, vibrant colors when they’re the only visible splash of color.

Earth-tones or beige nuances for your sweaters, boots, and jacket.

Vividly colored gloves, hat, scarf, and bag.

What can you actually wear?

Let’s discuss some cool outfits that you can wear at different times during your trip. For a week’s trip, you’ll need to pack:

One winter jacket that’s waterproof, windproof and doesn’t make you look like a fluffy marshmallow.

Two pairs of jeans, one that’s skinny jeans and one that’s boot cut.

Three or four pairs will do the trick but get different colors.

Five tops. Choose more intense colors for each.

Two sweaters, one that has a turtleneck and one with a lower cut.

Two cardigans. Choose cashmere or merino wool, you’ll love these.

A down vest.

Two warm, yet stylish dresses.

A pair of mid-calf high boots that you can wear while traveling and Chelsea boots in your luggage.

The accessories above.

You can combine these items easily, as they’re all pretty versatile. They also take up little space, which is great.

For sightseeing, which implies constant walking, you can wear:

Your skinny jeans.

A yellow top.

The turtleneck sweater.

Your down vest.

The mid-calf boots.

A wool beanie.

A backpack.

Open-finger mittens.

If you’re just walking to get lost on the city streets, but you’ll maybe stop at a restaurant to have dinner, you can wear:

Bootcut jeans.

A warm, red shirt.

A beige cardigan.

Your winter jacket.

A pair of mid-calf black boots.

A red, leather bag.

A brown fedora.

Leather gloves.

If you’re going for a short hike, you can also wear:

Brown wool leggings.

A blue T-shirt.

A yellow open-neck sweater.

A warm, knitted scarf.

A red bobble hat.

The down vest.

Your mid-calf boots.

A backpack.

If you’re going to a fancy outdoor ice rink, you still need to be as pretty as you can:

Black wool leggings.

A blue dress that’s short enough though.

A tan-brown turtle-neck sweater.

A yellow beanie.

You can wear your winter jacket to the skating ring.

Wool mittens.

If you go to an open-air concert or an outdoor festival, you’ll need to look stylish, though comfortable enough for more hours outside:

Skinny jeans.

A top that you like.

A long, brown turtle-neck sweater.

Your winter jacket.

A fedora hat.

The Chelsea boots.

A leather bag.

Red leather gloves.

What will you pack?

With that in mind, we’re curious where you’ll go and what you’ll pack. Which of our suggestions inspired you most and why? What else would you consider wearing? Don’t be shy and leave a comment below.

Author Bio:

Rebecca lives in USA, but loves hiking all over the world. Her favorite is Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal. It usually takes 16 days, but she likes to slow down, enjoy mountains, company of other adventurers and take more pictures, so it took her 28 days last time. Another of her passion is the ocean, so all short and long hikes along the ocean shore bring a lot of joy. She also writes for HikingMastery.com.

Fall is a magnificent season, filled with a plethora of vibrant colors that make an inspiring contrast with the clear blue sky, while the strong, clean air fills your nostrils and heart with a strong wanderlust. So where can you go to make the most out of this beautiful season? To help you decide easier, take a look at our top 5 suggestions below.

1. Perthshire, Scotland

Located in Scotland, you can certainly get a delightful experience in this legend-filled territory. Locals talk about it as the Big Trees Country, and that’s because it really has some big trees. And you can imagine how heart-throbbingly beautiful they appear in the fall, with each of their leaves having a different hue.

But the multi-colored leaves aren’t the only reason to visit Perthshire. Imagine the foggy lochs you’ll get the chance to see, listening to all the thrilling stories that surround them. However, you will need a first aid kit nearby if the weather is too foggy and you accidentally trip.

The rivers are whirling near the forests, but they’re so clear you can actually see the trees reflected in the bright waters. You can definitely take the chance and lay down on the ground to enjoy all this, or you can immortalize your trip with some nature photographs.

There are also a few hikes you can try on the hills nearby, like the Pass of Killiecrankie. Although the hills don’t have really difficult climbs, the sceneries are amazing thanks to the woodlands. You’ll also have some pretty interesting viewpoints along the way that will make you want to never leave this magical place.

2. Bavaria, Germany

If you’re looking for jaw-dropping views, then Bavaria has some heathery, Alpine vistas you will never forget. The Alpine forests have vibrant colors that will make your heart skip a beat once you see the perfect contrast these make with the snowy peaks.

The fact is that Bavaria is a pretty wide region so you’ll see different landscapes here, at various altitudes, which means there’s a difference in weather too. For instance, if you’re planning to enjoy milder temperatures and very rich colors, you should stick to the lower altitudes. That’s because Queen Winter has already taken reign up in the mountains.

The Vermont of Europe, Bavaria is a forested region filled with deciduous trees and shrubs that offer great autumn foliage views. And they frame the other sights really well, like the romantic Neuschwanstein Castle with its legendary aura. Or you can enjoy the Oktoberfest, the weather is perfect for that with little to no rains during this time of year.

3. Civita Di Bagnoregio, Italy

If you want to go down on the map to the southern regions of Europe that enjoy a more delicate, warm climate thanks to the Mediterranean climate, Italy is our country of choice. There are plenty of different views you can enjoy here, with ancient or medieval cities, relaxed beaches, and bucolic rural views.

Most of these breathtaking vistas can be seen in one place. The town of Civita Di Bagnoregio is definitely stunning, resting majestically on the top of a hilled crest positioned right above a huge canyon. The beauty of this lies in the difficulty of reaching it.

There’s only a footbridge you can use, and the way in will definitely impress you since it’s entirely made of stone. Besides, it’s a perfect combination between Antiquity and the Middle Ages seeing as it was made 500 years BC, but its decorations date back to the 1300s.

The beauty of visiting this town in the fall is literally like a trip to Medieval Italy, with quaint shops and friendly folk, along with incredible architectural gems.

4. Reynisfjara, Vik, Iceland

Back to a colder northern point, you can’t miss Iceland’s greatest views. With a decidedly colder weather that will put shivers down your spine, the Vik village has amazing sand beaches that require attentive exploration.

Covered with a black sand that’s surprisingly neat and fresh, the place offers very distinct views to your run-of-the-mill tropical islands or Mediterranean beaches. The reason is that the beaches here are formed after the eruption of a volcano. Once the boiling-hot lava ended up in the cold Atlantic waters, the combination between these two temperatures is what produces the tiny specks of black dust.

But that’s not all there is to it. The landforms created by the volcanic activity in the area are impressive as well. Just think of the Trolls of the Vik, pillars that are said to be formed by trolls dragging their ships. The whole area is simply fascinating in the fall, with a stark contrast to the warm colors of the leaves in more temperate climates.

5. Meteora, Greece

Speaking of the autumn foliage in warmer weather, there are few places on this Earth that can offer views as impressive as those you see in Meteora. The Eastern Orthodox monasteries located on the pinnacle of these abrupts cliffs are really an inspiration to everyone, repleting with deep spirituality.

And this sense of magic and wonder accentuates the beauty of the diverse colors, allowing you to think of higher powers at work in this world. But their history is equally inspiring, seeing as the medieval monks who found shelter here were actually running away from religious persecution.

The giant rocks of Meteora look incredibly serene pasted on the clear blue skies, with their feet covered in deciduous trees and shrubs that are now vibrantly colored. These rock columns appear as huge pillars made from sandstone, and their orange hue is what creates this perfect contrast with the blue sky.

Where will you go?

With such magnificent options at your fingertips, we’re curious where you’ll book a flight to. Would you rather enjoy bucolic villages and milder weather, or would you prefer a sharper, crisper autumn air with gothic sceneries? And once you come back from your trip, tell us all about the wonderful views that inspired you there.

Author Bio:

Rebecca lives in USA, but loves hiking all over the world. Her favorite is Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal. It usually takes 16 days, but she likes to slow down, enjoy mountains, company of other adventurers and take more pictures, so it took her 28 days last time. Another of her passion is the ocean, so all short and long hikes along the ocean shore bring a lot of joy. She also writes for HikingMastery.com.